Oneida Area Non-Profit Consortium turns 2

Published 12:00 am, Friday, June 22, 2012

The consortium was originally created by Hank Leo, CEO of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley and president of the Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce, to get non-profits in the Oneida and surrounding communities together to talk about ways the groups can work together. Since 2010, many have joined the consortium to become a part of the effort.

"The consortium is a function of the chamber of commerce. We share information on events, fundraisers and services," said Leo, who chairs the committee. "In the past, many non-profits coexisted, but might not have worked together. With the economy in its current state, it is important we do not duplicate services and instead complement each other's efforts. This forum gives us the opportunity to hear about the great work our charities do on a regular basis to enhance the quality of life in our community."

The consortium meets the first Thursday of each month at the Madison County Supervisor's board room. The first half of the one-hour meeting is sharing of information and events and the second half hour is a presentation by one of the consortium members about their particular agency or service, or training on a specific topic. Topics have included volunteer recruitment, hiring people with disabilities, strategic planning, and planned giving.